Collagen mimics

Abstract

Novel collagen mimics are disclosed with a tripeptide unit having the formula (Xaa-Yaa-Gly) n , where one of the positions Xaa or Yaa is a bulky, non-electron withdrawing proline derivative. By substituting a proline derivative at either the Xaa or Yaa position in the native collagen helix, the stability of the helix is increased due solely to steric effects relative to prior known collagen-related triple helices. Methods are also disclosed for making the novel collagen mimics.

1 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of sealing a wound, the method comprising performing tissue welding on the wound using a solder comprising a collagen mimetic peptide comprising a tripeptide having the formula:
   (flp-Hyp-Gly) n ,   where flp is (2S,4S)-4-fluoroproline,   where Hyp is (2S,4R)-4-hydroxyproline, and   where n is a positive integer.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein n is at least 3. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tripeptide is present in at least one out of every three triplex repeats. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the collagen mimetic peptide comprising the tripeptide is present in one or more strands of a triple helix. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein, through steric effects, the triple helix exhibits increased stability relative to a native collagen triple helix. 
     
     
         23 . A solder for tissue welding of a wound, the solder comprising a collagen mimetic peptide comprising a tripeptide having the formula:
   (flp-Hyp-Gly) n ,   where flp is (2S,4S)-4-fluoroproline,   where Hyp is (2S,4R)-4-hydroxyproline, and   where n is a positive integer.   
     
     
         24 . The solder of  claim 23 , wherein the tripeptide is present in at least one out of every three triplex repeats. 
     
     
         25 . The solder of  claim 23 , wherein the collagen mimetic peptide comprising the tripeptide is present in one or more strands of a triple helix. 
     
     
         26 . The solder of  claim 25 , wherein, through steric effects, the triple helix exhibits increased stability relative to a native collagen triple helix. 
     
     
         27 . The solder of  claim 23 , wherein n is at least 3.